This year, as in years past, we decided to make our own Valentine’s Day cards. The difference this time around is that we are giving them to classmates rather than family. An exciting step for one Little Dictator! I strongly considered the cute character versions that you can pick up at the grocery store and even spied some with fun tattoos. I did make the conscious decision to avoid candy as a card favor since I knew the kids would be sugar logged after their preschool V-day party. I’m also the mom in charge of bringing the drinks and opted to present both milk and juice for the kiddos. My two and a half year old has already informed me he will be choosing juice. I guess I cannot expect any less when I don’t offer up the sugary treat on a more regular basis. Don’t get me wrong, we do drink juice in this house, but his gets watered down quite a bit. So, like most kids, whenever given the option he makes the less desirable choice (at least in mom’s eyes). I am figuring that most, if not all, of the milk will come back my way…but, hey, at least I’m giving the choice! (Yep, I’m that mom!)

Okay, back to the subject at hand. I wanted to share what our card plans are and a couple of downloadable cutie, patootie, versions I came across online. First up, wild animal cards!

I suddenly received a Disney’s Family Fun magazine in the mail a couple of weeks ago and this was one of the featured Valentine’s Day card ideas. It was too cool not to attempt, so we are going for it. To get the full instructions pick up the magazine, which has a ton of other great ideas, or go to: www.familyfun.com.

I love the idea that the kids get a little something and it’s not going straight to their thighs rot their teeth. ;o) Next up, in the same type of idea category is from Simply Modern Mom. I LOVE this one!

So, sweet and simple, of course! Go to her blog for a free printable too.

Over at Our Humble A{bowe}d, Amanda has created some neat printables and ideas for giving both sweets and non-sweet treats.

With the Little Guy’s love of robots and stickers, I would have definitely jumped on this idea had I come across it first. But….maybe next year!?!

Hope you all are having a good time decorating and thinking up fun things to do for your loved ones this month!